France vs USA — 1973 vs 1963
| Bagheera S | Cobra 289 FIA Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 90 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 91 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,442 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,083 lbs | 2,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,063 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Units Produced | 47,802 | 654 |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Matra Bagheera S counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
When France engineering meets USA craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1973 Matra Bagheera S and 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 271 hp compared to 90 hp, a 181-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Matra Bagheera uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,442 cc, while the Shelby Cobra 289 relies on a V8 OHV with 4,727 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 654 units built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Matra Bagheera's 47,802 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1973 Matra Bagheera S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.